Knebworth surrendered their early lead against promotion rivals.
Knebworth 2, Elizabeth Allen Old Boys 1
Lucas ‘Squiz’ Squirrel dusts off the typewriter after summer recess to report…
After the first game was called off, Knebworth were back at The Rec to kick off the new season in a new division against familiar faces Elizabeth Allen.
Despite the buzz around the team, Elizabeth Allen were the ones out of the gate quicker, making the most of their wide players to create opportunities and get in behind.
Dominance started to creep in for Knebworth as the midfield three of Alex Parker, Callum Pickstock and Kyle Young got hold of the ball and moved it around with ease.
A chance opened up for the Ks as Matthew Harwood was unleashed at the Elizabeth Allen defence, but his shot went narrowly wide. Momentum was building.
Pressure was mounting as Pickstock recycled the ball back into the box, finding Kyle Young, who put Knebworth into the lead with a thumping drive on his debut!
Half-time soon approached, and the Ks were leading. However, a free-kick from skipper Will Oram came close as it hit the post, nearly nudging Knebworth into a two-goal lead.
The whistle blew, and the Ks went in with a one-goal advantage, having certainly been the better team in the first half.
New coach Ryan Ellis led his team back out for the second half as the rain started to hammer down, really causing problems on the pitch.
Some good link-up play saw Billy Mulley one-on-one with the Elizabeth Allen defence, but his effort was saved, shortly followed by Young’s free-kick smashing the crossbar.
Elizabeth Allen grew back into the game and were gifted a penalty by Oram, which was calmly slotted away by their midfielder to equialise.
Hard work was now required from the Ks as the final ten minutes approached. Three points from the opening game would have been the perfect start.
Just as the game was closing out, late drama arose as a cross from returning Andrew Howie was found its way into the net for a 90th-minute winner! Debate rages on over whether Parker made a decisive nudge over the line.
A thrilling end as Kneb picked up all three points to kick-start the campaign.
Raja Tandoori player of the match: Alex Parker
Enjoy this week’s Match Programme here
The Ks travel to Buntingford Town Reserves next Saturday, 5 September, before returning to The Rec on Saturday 12 September, when Ware United Reserves will be the visitors. Find the fixtures list here for 2026/27.
Musings of an old man: Tough start well navigated.
Special thanks to Alan Sleator for the header photo.
Knebworth FC 